Xanthoparmelia schmidtii

Xanthoparmelia schmidtii is a lichen which belongs to the Xanthoparmelia genus. It is uncommon, and is listed as endangered by the Nature Conservatory.

Description

This lichen grows on rocks. It is about 4–8 cm in diameter with dark yellowish green lobes which are approximately 0.1-0.2 mm wide, 0.1-0.6 mm high. It has moderately patchy rhizines on the underside that are 0.3-0.6mm long and are pale to dark brown in color. Ithas the appearance of being a hybrid species, as its chemical makeup is unique to the foothill region of the Sierra Nevada.

Habitat and range

It is found in the US state of California.